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Since then it has been a venue for competitive team shooting sport airsoft, and no development has taken place.

A computer-generated image showing the Gloucester Prison development once work is complete

It had been reported as “bad news for the city” Gloucester City Councillor Paul James, (C, Longlevens) cabinet member for regeneration and development in the city played down those fears saying it was “not necessarily bad news”.

“Bringing in a partner could help to deliver the development. The bigger issue is what to do with the Victorian block. Conversion to residential isn't ideal. A different use which allows public access and impacts less on the heritage would be better,” he said.

He also said he didn’t believe Brexit was to blame for the delay and subsequent sale.

Under the sale, the central core prison buildings will be retained by City & Country who are pressing ahead with the conversion.

The advert on JLL’s website said: Planning permission for the redevelopment of the Grade II and II* Listed former prison was granted on December 6, 2018.

“The scheme comprises 202 dwellings of which 164 are new build with the remainder being conversion. The conversion elements of the scheme and two small new build blocks are to be retained by City & Country.”

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The men’s prison was designed by William Blackburn and opened its gates in 1792 as a county gaol.

It was rebuilt in 1840 with flanking brick wings by Thomas Fuljames and a young offenders’ wing was built in 1971.

In April, 2003, Gloucester was named as "among the 20 most overcrowded jails" in the country and the following day saw a three-and-a-half-hour siege when two prisoners protested over visiting rights by barricading themselves in a cell.

Gloucester Prison

It served as a category B prison until the then Justice Secretary Michael Gove announced its closure in 2013.

After the prison closed down in 2013 it was re-opened as a tourist attraction and then an airsoft venue .

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